Founder: Safwan Khan 
Business: Startupily 
Revenue/Month: 1.5K 
Founders: 1 
Employees: 0 
Website: www.startupily.com 
Location: Operates remotely
Founded: 2016 

For entrepreneurs seeking knowledge, exposure, and practical business tools, Startupily has become a go-to digital platform. Founded by Safwan Khan, the site provides a wealth of resources, from insightful articles and startup success stories to essential business templates. What began as a personal initiative to generate income has grown into a thriving space where startup founders gain visibility and support in an increasingly competitive market. 

From Job Search to Global Platform 

In 2016, Khan found himself at a crossroads. Uncertain about his professional future and in need of a steady income, he turned to the internet in search of opportunities. His research led him to blogging—a space where he saw both creative and financial potential. Rather than diving into a saturated niche, he focused on a topic he was passionate about: business and entrepreneurship. 

“I started by reaching out to startup founders, interviewing them, and sharing their stories,” Khan recalls. The response was immediate and overwhelming. Within two months, he had featured 70 businesses from around the world, and the engagement was undeniable. “People loved the exposure, and it became clear that there was a real demand for this kind of content.” 

What set his approach apart was its accessibility. Instead of rigid business theories or abstract advice, Startupily spotlighted real entrepreneurs—people building their businesses in real time, facing actual challenges, and discovering what worked. By amplifying these stories through social media, Khan not only helped startups gain visibility but also established his platform as a trusted source for aspiring business owners. 

Expanding the Offerings 

As Startupily gained traction, Khan saw an opportunity to offer more than just interviews. He expanded the platform’s content to include deep dives into entrepreneurship, business strategies, and personal development. He also introduced practical tools—business plan templates, worksheets, and other essential resources designed to help startups structure their ideas and scale effectively. 

Growth didn’t come by chance. Khan leveraged social networks and business communities to push Startupily forward, consistently increasing its reach. “It wasn’t just about publishing content—it was about getting it in front of the right people,” he says. His efforts turned what had started as a side project into a high-value platform that entrepreneurs actively sought out for guidance and exposure. 

With each new feature and every new entrepreneur highlighted, Startupily continues to evolve. What began as one founder’s personal pursuit has become a global stage for startups looking to make their mark. 

Turning Frustration into Opportunity 

Career setbacks often push people to think outside the box, and for Khan, that moment came after months of job searching with no success. Armed with a master’s degree in International Marketing from the UK, he went through interview after interview, only to face repeated rejections. The process was draining, but rather than waiting for a door to open, he decided to build his own. 

“I realized I had to stop relying on companies to give me an opportunity,” Khan says. “I needed to create one for myself.” 

His search for alternative income streams led him to Pat Flynn’s podcast, where Flynn detailed how he turned blogging into a thriving business. The idea struck a chord. A blog wasn’t just a way to make money—it could also provide real value to others. That’s when Khan made the decision to treat blogging as more than a side hustle. He saw it as a business worth investing in. 

As he looked for ways to expand his network, Khan joined the DUST app, a messaging platform backed by Mark Cuban. There, he started connecting with small business owners and quickly spotted a common struggle: visibility. Many entrepreneurs had solid business ideas but lacked the resources for costly PR and marketing campaigns. The more he talked to them, the clearer it became—traditional marketing was out of reach for most startups, leaving them without a reliable way to reach potential customers. 

That realization became the foundation of Startupily. Instead of offering expensive PR services, Khan created a platform where small businesses could tell their stories for free. “I started reaching out to founders, interviewing them, and sharing their journeys,” he explains. “Then I promoted their businesses across social media and LinkedIn groups, making sure their stories reached the right audience.” 

The model worked. Founders gained exposure, Startupily attracted traffic, and a community of entrepreneurs began to form. What started as a simple idea to help struggling startups soon became a valuable resource—one that gave business owners a voice in an increasingly crowded market. 

Building from Scratch: The Learning Curve Behind Startupily 

Starting a business is one thing—building the infrastructure from the ground up is another. When Khan set out to create Startupily, he had zero experience in website development. He knew he needed a professional-looking platform, but outsourcing the work felt risky. Relying on a developer would mean ongoing costs and less control over future updates. Instead, he made a decision that would define his early journey: he would teach himself how to build the site from scratch. 

“For a full week, I did nothing but absorb information,” Khan says. “I watched YouTube tutorials, read guides, and tried to understand WordPress. But learning passively only got me so far.” 

The real breakthrough came when he stopped waiting to feel ready and started building in real time. Seven-hour days turned into a working prototype by the end of the week. It wasn’t perfect, but it functioned—and, more importantly, it was entirely his own creation. 

Despite the unfinished design, Khan wasted no time getting the word out. To his surprise, entrepreneurs embraced the concept. “People didn’t care that the site wasn’t polished,” he says. “They saw the value in being featured, and that gave me the confidence to keep going.” As time passed, his skills improved, and the platform evolved with them. Even today, he continues to refine and enhance it himself. 

Launching with Strategy and Minimal Investment 

With the site up and running, Khan needed his first users. The connections he had made on the DUST networking app proved invaluable. Many small business owners had already expressed interest in marketing opportunities, so he reached out to let them know Startupily was live. Surprisingly, instead of opting for interviews, most preferred to submit articles about their businesses. 

That unexpected shift worked in his favor. Publishing their content populated the site with valuable material while also creating a ripple effect. “These entrepreneurs already had their own audiences,” Khan explains. “When they shared their articles, it brought in a steady stream of visitors.” Within just three days, Startupily had hit 1,000 views—a milestone that confirmed the platform’s potential. 

Financially, the investment was minimal. Khan purchased the domain for $4.99 and paid $35 for web hosting for the entire year. The real cost was time—learning WordPress, setting up the site, and spreading the word. But in his view, it was an investment that paid off in ways he hadn’t even imagined. 

Leveraging Social Media for Growth 

With the platform live and gaining traction, Khan turned his attention to promotion. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram were part of his strategy, but LinkedIn proved to be the most effective tool. Updating his profile to reflect his role as Startupily’s founder sent an automatic notification to his 6,000 connections, sparking immediate engagement. 

“I got over a thousand congratulatory messages,” he recalls. “That gave me the perfect opportunity to introduce people to my blog.” 

This organic exposure led to a surge in traffic and brought in 50 more business owners eager to be featured. The momentum kept building, and within a year, major media platforms took notice. Influencive and Thrive Global invited him to contribute as a writer, recognizing the quality of his content. These opportunities boosted his credibility, drove additional traffic to Startupily, and created new revenue streams—including paid guest posts and link insertions. 

As more media outlets reached out, Khan had to be selective with his time. What had started as a side project had grown into a full-fledged platform—not just for entrepreneurs looking for exposure, but for Khan himself as a recognized voice in the industry. 

Scaling Up and Expanding Revenue Streams 

Startupily has grown far beyond a simple blog, evolving into a self-sustaining platform with multiple income streams. While traffic fluctuates, Khan has structured the business to generate consistent revenue with minimal overhead. His main expenses—domain registration, hosting, SSL certification, and email subscriptions—are kept low, allowing him to maximize profitability. The key, he says, is monetization that benefits both the platform and the entrepreneurs who rely on it. 

“A big part of my revenue comes from agencies in the U.S. and U.K. that send me a steady flow of paid articles every month,” Khan explains. “I also work with SEO consultants who pay to insert client links into existing content, and businesses purchase ad placements on the site’s main page.” 

In addition to content-driven income, Khan has expanded into business documentation, offering templates for marketing plans, legal agreements, and industry-specific business plans. These resources provide practical support for entrepreneurs while adding another layer of revenue. 

Recognizing the growing interest in online income opportunities, Khan recently conducted interviews with over 100 entrepreneurs to compile a detailed guide on profitable side hustles. The article gained immediate traction, leading two blogs to invite him for guest contributions. A Canadian blogging agency also reached out, exploring a potential partnership to secure clients for article publishing. 

With an eye on the future, Khan is preparing for a major site upgrade. He’s evaluating new themes to modernize Startupily’s design and planning content expansions into blockchain, the metaverse, and NFTs—industries he believes will play a crucial role in the next wave of entrepreneurship. On top of that, he’s developing an upgraded PR service through partnerships with established agencies, aiming to help startups secure placements on Forbes and Entrepreneur.com. “Startups need credibility to scale,” he says. “If I can bridge that gap for them, it’s a win for everyone.” 

Lessons from the Journey 

Building Startupily from the ground up has forced Khan to step outside his comfort zone and develop new skills. Early on, self-doubt nearly held him back. Writing had never been his strong suit, and publishing articles felt like a gamble. “I wasn’t sure if people would find value in my content,” he admits. “But I kept at it, and over time, my confidence grew.” That persistence paid off, eventually leading him to publish Mind Influence, his first book. 

The road hasn’t been without obstacles. At one point, he took an extended break from writing, assuming the site would sustain itself. The impact was immediate—traffic plummeted by 70%, and revenue took a major hit. “That was a wake-up call,” he says. “Consistency is everything in blogging. If you stop creating, your audience moves on.” 

Since then, Khan has prioritized maintaining Startupily’s momentum, whether through fresh content, SEO optimization, or direct audience engagement. What started as a way to generate income during uncertain times has become a platform that fuels his entrepreneurial vision—one that continues to grow with every step forward. 

Lessons for Entrepreneurs Ready to Take the Leap 

Starting a business is never just about the idea—it’s about the mindset that fuels it. Khan believes that entrepreneurship demands resilience, mental toughness, and the ability to push forward despite setbacks. It’s a journey filled with uncertainty, and those who succeed are the ones who can manage fear. Fear of failure, rejection, criticism, and even regret can paralyze aspiring founders before they begin. Overcoming these doubts is the first step toward building something meaningful. 

Beyond mindset, Khan emphasizes the importance of patience and persistence. Growth takes time, and success rarely happens overnight. Entrepreneurs need to develop the discipline to stay the course, even when progress feels slow. Passion alone isn’t enough—it must be paired with smart decision-making and strategic effort. 

Equally crucial is identifying a problem that affects a significant number of people. Businesses that provide real solutions have the best chance of scaling. Before launching a venture, founders should ask themselves: Does this solve a genuine pain point? If the answer is yes, the foundation for long-term growth is already in place. 

Khan finds inspiration in those who push past adversity, and he keeps reminders of that motivation close. He’s drawn to words that capture the essence of perseverance, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of success. Entrepreneurship, at its core, is about evolving—adapting to challenges, embracing uncertainty, and stepping into a stronger, wiser version of oneself. Those willing to take the risk, trust the process, and keep learning along the way are the ones who will turn their vision into reality. 

Success Factors: Why Did Startupily Succeed? 

• A Problem-Solving Approach: Khan identified a real pain point—small business owners struggled with visibility but couldn’t afford traditional PR services. By offering free exposure through interviews and articles, he filled a market gap, attracting both entrepreneurs and readers. 

• Self-Reliance and Skill Development: Instead of outsourcing the website build, Khan taught himself WordPress, allowing him to maintain full control over the platform while keeping costs low. This hands-on approach helped him iterate quickly and refine Startupily without relying on external developers. 

• Smart Monetization Strategies: Startupily became profitable through multiple revenue streams, including: Paid collaborations with agencies for sponsored articles, SEO partnerships for link insertions, Ad placements on the site, Affiliate marketing through carefully selected resources, Business templates and documentation sales. These diversified income sources allowed the platform to generate revenue consistently with minimal overhead. 

• Leveraging Social Media for Growth: Khan strategically used LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to grow Startupily’s audience. Updating his 6,000+ LinkedIn connections about the launch resulted in an immediate surge in engagement and traffic, proving the power of organic reach. 

• Persistence and Consistency: One of the biggest lessons Khan learned was the importance of consistent effort. A temporary break from blogging caused a 70% drop in traffic, reinforcing that regular content creation, SEO optimization, and audience engagement were necessary to sustain growth. 

• Adapting to Market Trends: Rather than sticking to a static business model, Khan continuously expanded Startupily’s offerings. From side hustle guides to blockchain, NFTs, and metaverse content, he positioned the platform to stay relevant in emerging industries. 

• Strategic Networking and Partnerships: Khan built relationships with blogging agencies, media platforms like Thrive Global and Influencive, and PR firms that helped expand his reach. These partnerships boosted credibility, led to guest writing opportunities, and attracted high-profile entrepreneurs to Startupily. 

• Mindset and Resilience: Perhaps the most important factor was Khan’s ability to overcome fear, rejection, and self-doubt. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, he took action, made mistakes, learned from them, and kept pushing forward—a mindset that separates successful entrepreneurs from those who never start. 

Key Lessons to Learn 

1. Solve a Real Problem: Businesses thrive when they address a genuine pain point. Khan noticed that small business owners struggled with visibility and couldn’t afford PR services. Instead of following a traditional model, he created a platform that provided free exposure, filling a gap in the market. 

2. Take Action Before You Feel Ready: Khan didn’t wait until he was an expert in web development or blogging—he jumped in and learned along the way. He built his website from scratch, taught himself SEO, and refined his writing skills over time. Many entrepreneurs hesitate to start because they feel unprepared, but progress comes from doing, not waiting. 

3. Leverage Low-Cost Growth Strategies: Success doesn’t always require a big budget. Khan kept costs low by: Learning WordPress instead of hiring a developer, Using LinkedIn and social media for organic traffic, Monetizing through sponsored content, SEO partnerships, and affiliate marketing. By focusing on smart, cost-effective strategies, he built a profitable business with minimal upfront investment. 

4. Consistency Is Key: One of Khan’s biggest setbacks came when he paused content creation, causing a 70% drop in traffic and revenue. This experience reinforced that growth requires consistency—whether through publishing new content, engaging with an audience, or optimizing SEO. 

5. Adapt to Market Trends: Startupily didn’t remain static. Khan expanded from startup interviews to business templates, side hustle guides, and emerging industries like blockchain and NFTs. Entrepreneurs who stay ahead of trends and evolve with their audience are more likely to succeed in the long run. 

6. Multiple Revenue Streams Create Stability: Relying on a single income source is risky. Khan built Startupily into a self-sustaining business by diversifying revenue streams, including: Sponsored articles, SEO-based link insertions, Ad placements, Business templates and resources, Affiliate marketing. This mix ensured that even if one revenue stream slowed down, others kept the business running smoothly. 

7. Network Strategically: Khan’s early connections on the DUST app and LinkedIn helped him attract Startupily’s first users. Later, media features on Thrive Global and Influencive boosted credibility and visibility. Entrepreneurs should actively build relationships, engage with communities, and seek collaborations to accelerate growth. 

8. Mindset Matters More Than Resources: Fear of failure, rejection, and self-doubt hold many people back. Khan overcame these barriers by focusing on action, learning from setbacks, and staying persistent. Success in entrepreneurship isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about mental resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to keep going even when progress feels slow. 

Opportunity Matrix 

Founder Background 

Safwan Khan, master’s degree in International Marketing (UK). Struggled to find a job post-graduation, leading him to explore online business opportunities. 

Problem Identification 

Small business owners lacked affordable PR and marketing options, making it difficult for startups to gain visibility. 

Market Opportunity 

Growing demand for cost-effective digital exposure, especially among early-stage startups and entrepreneurs worldwide. 

Competitive Landscape 

Established business media (Forbes, Entrepreneur) focused on larger companies; traditional PR agencies were expensive and inaccessible for small startups. 

Market Research 

Direct conversations with entrepreneurs on the DUST app revealed a consistent pain point—high PR costs and limited online exposure. 

Business Model 

Revenue from paid guest articles, SEO link insertions, ad placements, affiliate marketing, and sales of business templates. 

Initial Capital 

Minimal investment—$4.99 for domain registration and ~$35 for web hosting in the first year. The main investment was time and effort. 

Product/Service Development 

Started as a blog featuring startup interviews; expanded to include business templates, industry-specific guides, and PR services. 

Marketing Strategy 

Leveraged LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for organic reach; used personal networking and collaborations with agencies for growth. 

Milestones 

• Featured 70 startups in two months 

• Reached 1,000 views in first three days 

• Secured writing opportunities with Thrive Global & Influencive 

• Partnered with agencies for ongoing revenue streams. 

Scalability 

High—expanding into blockchain, NFTs, metaverse, and premium PR services (Forbes, Entrepreneur placements). 

Potential Risks & Challenges 

• Reliance on organic traffic (SEO and social media algorithm changes could impact growth) 

• Market saturation from competing platforms 

• Need for consistent content creation to maintain engagement. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 

• Website traffic and page views 

• Number of featured startups and paid collaborations 

• Revenue from advertising, guest posts, and affiliate marketing 

• Social media engagement and reach.